MONEY MASTER

Shares of  Reece Ltd (ASX: REH)  collapsed as much as  22%  on Monday — the sharpest single-day drop since 1978 — after the Australian plumbing supplies company reported a sharp fall in full-year profit and flagged prolonged weakness in the  US housing market . Earnings Miss and Market Reaction Net profit:  Fell  24% YoY to A$316.9m (US$205m)  for the year ending June 30, missing analyst expectations. Revenue mix:  The US accounted for  57% of total sales , making the group heavily exposed to America’s housing cycle. Market response:  Shares plunged to their lowest in years, as investors digested the cautious guidance and deteriorating US demand outlook. US Housing Overhang Reece anticipates the  US property market will remain constrained for the next 12–18 months , citing affordability challenges and tighter financing conditions. Its warning echoes recent  profit downgrades across housing-related firms : James Hardie Indu...

Malaysia’s Housing and Local Government Ministry is exploring a  pay-per-use model  for facilities in future affordable housing projects. Residents would use access cards and only pay for amenities like gyms, swimming pools, and playgrounds when they use them. At first glance, the idea sounds fair — why pay for facilities you never touch? But implementing it is not as simple as it seems. The Practical Hurdles Community Impact:  Affordable housing isn’t just about infrastructure, it’s about building cohesive communities. When every facility becomes a paid service, it risks creating divisions between residents with different financial means or lifestyle needs. Design & Maintenance:  Facilities in most high-rises are spread across the property. A pay-per-use model works best when grouped in a single clubhouse, but that raises questions: Should users pay a flat entry fee even if they only use the gym for 30 minutes? Upkeep Costs:  Regardless of usage, maintenanc...